Bono defends ‘American Idol’

U2 rocker Bono has bucked the trend of celebrities criticizing TV talent shows by throwing his support behind “American Idol.”

A number of high-profile musicians have come out against singing competitions such as “Idol” and “The X Factor” in recent months, with Elton John, Roger Daltrey, Madness star Suggs and New Order’s Bernard Sumner all lining up to criticize format pioneer Simon Cowell and his numerous TV projects.

Bono, who performed on the “American Idol” finale this week, has now come forward to champion the series, insisting the program reminds him of old-fashioned variety shows which helped launch the careers of the world’s most famous stars.

He tells the Hollywood Reporter he found performing on “Idol” “exciting” because it brought him to “the center of pop culture.”

Bono adds, “This show is really like I remember as kids growing up and hearing about ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ Elvis would be on and the Beatles, since then television is so fragmented and everybody watches something different this is probably the only show that every one watches so it’s a very interesting thing.”